Caroline Clearman

Caroline “Carol” Jane Clearman passed peacefully at her Klipsan home surrounded by family on December 30, 2025, after being lovingly cared for the last several years by her daughter Annie. Born in September 1940 as the youngest of nine in a bustling Willamette Valley farming family, Carol’s early years were filled with the laughter and energy of country life. She delighted in the simple joys of childhood, from calling cows in for milking and churning butter to berry picking with her siblings and adventuring with her loyal dog Buck. These roots laid the foundation for her lifelong appreciation of hard work, nature, and family.

Carol’s love for learning and her creative spark shone early. She graduated from Mount Angel Academy in 1958 and soon set off for California, joining the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose, where she began teaching primary grades. Though she was a gifted educator, Carol soon realized her heart was drawn to family life. She returned to Oregon to complete her B.S. in Elementary Education, then moved to Kelso, Washington, to continue teaching first grade.

It was the summer of 1967 that Carol met William “Bill” Clearman. Their whirlwind courtship led to a loving marriage that October and the beginning of a new chapter in Longview, Washington where they welcomed their first child. Embracing motherhood with open arms, Carol left the classroom to raise her growing family. Bill and Carol relocated to the Long Beach Peninsula in 1969 where they welcomed four more children. Carol poured her energy and ingenuity into nurturing five lively kids, filling their days with projects, arts and crafts, and explorations along windswept beaches. Her home was a haven of creativity and learning, with Carol always ready to read a story, lend a listening ear, or challenge someone to a friendly Scrabble match. She was known to have a “song for every occasion’, singing snippets of tunes to the delight of her family. A voracious reader herself, she encouraged a love of reading in her children with weekly library trips.

A lover of words and clever wit, Carol had an endearing sense of humor, unassuming wisdom, and an uncanny ability to find the perfect greeting card to express her love for that individual.

As her children grew, Carol’s circle of care extended into her community. Deeply involved in her church, she volunteered in many roles and served as secretary for several years. She also supported Bill’s construction business with her knack for bookkeeping and took on various odd jobs, modeling a strong work ethic for her family. Carol’s giving spirit found a special home at Camp Victory For Girls, where she was a founding member, cherished as a “Mama Lion.” For over two decades, she served as Camp Buddy and Treasurer, providing compassion and encouragement to young girls facing difficult circumstances. Her dedication was honored with the Gerald L. Swain Award in 2007.

Carol’s zest for life was matched by her love for animals and the natural world. She took joy in caring for her cats—especially her precious Tuffy—and in nurturing flowers and plants around her home. Her favorite mantra, “Something Good Is Going to Happen,” was a daily reminder to hope and embrace life’s possibilities, and it was always posted on her refrigerator to inspire her and those around her.

Ever curious, Carol continued to learn throughout her life, taking classes later in life at her local community college in a variety of subjects. She cherished traveling with her children, embarking on memorable adventures to places like San Francisco by train, San Diego, Tijuana, Washington DC, Nevada, and Canada. Through all her journeys and endeavors, Carol’s generosity, humor, and hopeful nature left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community.

A radiant spirit, Carol’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched—as a wife, mother, teacher, volunteer, and friend. She will be remembered for her laughter, her songs, her hard work and her unwavering belief that something good is always on the horizon.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, seven siblings, and her son, Brent Clearman. She is survived by her husband, Bill Clearman of Ocean Park; daughters Annie Snyder (Allen) of Ocean Park, Tara McGuill (Tim), Amy Clearman (Joe Rabinowitz) of Portland, Oregon and an additional beloved daughter and her spouse; eight grandchildren; a great grandson; her sister Sylvia Sullivan of Mobile, Alabama; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Arrangements and an online guestbook are available through Penttila’s Chapel By The Sea at www.penttilaschapel.com. The family will hold a private celebration of Carol’s life in the near future. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carol’s name are suggested to Camp Victory for Girls, Ocean Park Fire District #1 Association, or the local humane society.